Ramon Borges-Mendez

Ramón Borges-Méndez is an Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Community Development at Clark University's International Development, Community, and Environment Department. He coordinates the Urban Studies program and teaches courses on food systems, inequality, and globalization. Previously, he held academic roles at the University of Chile, Johns Hopkins University-SAIS, American University, and UMASS-Boston. He earned a Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Regional Development from MIT, along with an MCP and BA from MIT and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

His research focuses on food systems resilience, labor economics, migration, and post-disaster reconstruction. Notable contributions include studies on Puerto Rico's agricultural recovery post-Hurricane María and community development in Latin America. He co-founded Fundación Bucarabón in Puerto Rico and chairs Worcester Common Ground Community Development Corporation.

He has consulted for organizations like the Ford Foundation, World Bank, and UN agencies. Awards include Fulbright and Kauffman Foundation fellowships. Recent grants include USDA-funded projects on regional food systems and JPMorgan Chase Foundation-supported housing initiatives in Puerto Rico.